The ICC World Cup 2023 is in full swing, and while cricket fans worldwide are glued to their screens, there’s been a notable development in the Pakistan camp. Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan, once considered a crucial asset, has been dropped from the playing XI due to a string of poor performances.
In a critical match against the Pat Cummins-led Australian side, Pakistan captain Babar Azam made a bold decision. Having won the toss, he chose to bowl first at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. But what really surprised cricket enthusiasts was the announcement that Shadab Khan, Pakistan’s vice-captain, was not part of the playing XI. In his place, leg-spinner Usama Mir was given the opportunity.
Shadab Khan has been enduring a challenging World Cup journey. The tournament’s conditions, often favorable to spin bowlers, presented a significant challenge to him. In the three matches he played, Shadab Khan managed to secure only two wickets. The stark statistics reveal an average of 65.50 and an economy rate of 6.55. It was evident that he was struggling to meet the team’s expectations.
The decision to replace Shadab Khan with Usama Mir was not only surprising but also loaded with expectations. Usama Mir, a 27-year-old leg-spinner, was set to make his ODI World Cup debut against Australia. This marked a significant milestone in his cricketing journey. The young bowler had previously represented Pakistan in 8 matches, securing 11 wickets at an average of 35.09. With a promising record, the spotlight was now on Usama Mir.
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain, shed light on the decision during the toss. He mentioned that the team was looking to make the most of the favorable pitch conditions, emphasizing the importance of strong batting. He acknowledged that Shadab Khan would not be part of the playing XI for this crucial game, with Usama Mir taking his place.
Australia: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis(w), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(w), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf
Here, How’s X (Twitter Users) Reacted To Shadab Khan Being Dropped From Playing XI:-
I am shocked Shadab Khan has been dropped😲😳 #PAKvAUS
— Haroon (@hazharoon) October 20, 2023
I am shocked Shadab Khan has been dropped😲😳 #PAKvAUS
— Haroon (@hazharoon) October 20, 2023
Rohit Sharma has ended shadab khan’s career. pic.twitter.com/X7DxOrJ2jk
— Ansh Shah (@asmemesss) October 20, 2023
Rohit Sharma ended Shadab Khan career 😂
— Nikhhiiil (@iamnr001) October 20, 2023
My advice to shadab khan is that dont try to become wazir or Naib focus on your performance ,you are very talented work on your game ,Improve your bowling & make a come back dont try to hide besides your friend , You are a champion & only performance will help you pic.twitter.com/RvR3pSA2ol
— Huzaifa khan (@HuzaifaKhan021) October 20, 2023
Why they dropped Shadab Khan? He is vice-captain of Pakistan cricket team.
— Manoj Tiwari (@ManojTiwariIND) October 20, 2023
Usama mir replacing shadab khan#PAKvsAUS pic.twitter.com/NEZJDdsaoG
— peer haseeb 🇵🇸 (@haseebpeer6) October 20, 2023
